AWERTH I have always loved Michael since the first time I heard him in 6th grade English when we studied Phantom. This concert shows Michael in all his excellence.He sings to perfection as always, tells stories between songs that are humorous but touching.Sings a lovely Irish piece dedicated to his late Grandmother, Edith Kathleen O'Keath "Nan" as he called her.Caught this on PBS when it first showed, and had to tape it while it was showing! I got the DVD when it came out, and I still watch it! I have all of Michael's CD's, his VHS "Touch Of Music In The Night" and truly love them all!! Mike is a true sincere genius in all he does! God bless you Michael!

teena_keevers I saw this DVD of the show in the local music place, and I just had to have it. It was Michael Crawford after all - the living, breathing Angel of Music... And I don't just mean this in reference to his role in 'The Phantom Of The Opera'. He is, in my opinion, an angel through and through. His heart, soul and voice is heavenly in origin. Every move he makes, every gesture and every note/word he sings/says is beyond all description. I have yet to meet him, but through the presentation of this concert, it is apparent that it reflects the singer himself. The setting is intimate, sensual, genteel. The songs vary from being gentle love songs to enthusiastic outbursts of joy. There is no other concert like it.

harry-76 What's Michael Crawford got that many of us would like to have? In this 1998 concert Crawford gives an intriguing performance, starting off with a standing audience ovation after his very first number.The first time I became aware of this performer was his Cornelius Hackl in the film version of "Hello, Dolly." I recall rather wondering how he managed to get cast, as he sang the lovely "It Only Takes a Moment" in the park scene. It was certainly not a beautiful voice I was hearing--somewhat raspy, a bit unfocused, and ordinary. I attributed its effectiveness to an extension of his well- played Cornelius character, but I was not at all impressed with his natural vocal instrument. Now, thirty years later he appears in this vocal concert, with full orchestra, chorus, splashy lighting and theatrical effects. Since the 1969 film he's won numerous awards and gained a devoted following from his famous original title role in "Phantom of the Opera."The voice has gained some strength and control, yet it's basically the same instrument heard back in the late 60s. What he does appear to have is an astute sense of theatre, timing, keen ear, and other attributes of professionalism.He also sings with his whole heart, and puts everything he's possibly got into the moment. His fervent desire to communicate enhances his diction and projection, and he obviously loves his craft.The audience responds lovingly and enthusiastically to a well-conceived format and "package." Perhaps his basic "ordinary" instrument is in tune with these times of electronic enhancement; perhaps there's something here that's not overwhelming--a kind of kid-next-door up there making good. Whatver the case, this performer is making the most of what he's been given to work with. All one can say is, more power, Mr. Crawford.

sngbrd39 I saw this special when it was broadcast on PBS. All I have to say after seeing it is that Michael Crawford has one of the most entrancing tenor voices I have ever heard. Seeing the special really made me wish that I could have seen "Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway with him as the Phantom. His selections from that musical sounded heavenly. His other selections, especially the Irish music, were also beautiful. I only wish my local video store had this in stock so I could rent it sometime.